Emory University Hospital in Atlanta has announced that an infected employee unintentionally exposed nearly 700 patients and approximately 100 other employees to tuberculosis , according to a local CBS news report.
Although all hospital employees are required to undergo tuberculosis screenings in order to maintain their employment, a hospital statement did not disclose whether the infected employee had, in fact, been screened for the disease.
A persistent cough led the infected employee to under go testing, which confirmed the infection. Following the testing, Emory University Hospital officials notified the Georgia Department of Community Health, which is required under state law, and then launched an investigation into all patients and employees who may have come into contact with the infected staff member. The hospital is collaborating with state officials to provide tuberculosis screenings to all affected patients and employees, according to the news report.
Read the news report about the tuberculosis exposure at Emory University Hospital.
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Although all hospital employees are required to undergo tuberculosis screenings in order to maintain their employment, a hospital statement did not disclose whether the infected employee had, in fact, been screened for the disease.
A persistent cough led the infected employee to under go testing, which confirmed the infection. Following the testing, Emory University Hospital officials notified the Georgia Department of Community Health, which is required under state law, and then launched an investigation into all patients and employees who may have come into contact with the infected staff member. The hospital is collaborating with state officials to provide tuberculosis screenings to all affected patients and employees, according to the news report.
Read the news report about the tuberculosis exposure at Emory University Hospital.
Related Articles about Hospital Infections:
Bed Bugs Found at D.C.'s United Medical Center for Second Time
Joint Commission Releases New 2012 Patient Safety Goal
Ohio Senate Resolution Recognizes Hospital Patient Safety Initiative